More books set in countries from across the world.
Books 16-20 are:
16. The year of the hare – Arto Paasilinna
Set in Finland, I specifically chose this as I was holidaying in the country. It’s the story of a man who befriends a hare and takes him on a whimsical adventure through 1970s Finland. For this reason it reminded me of “The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window” book. That said, I didn’t agree with the “this book is hilarious” reviews or maybe I just don’t understand Finnish humour.
Sense of place: 7/10.
Plot: 6/10.
Readability: 7/10
Characters: 6/10.
Overall: 7/10
17. A dictionary of mutual understanding – Jackie Copleton
This had been sitting unread on our bookshelves for a long time but I’m glad I finally made the time to read it.
Partially set in USA, but mostly in Japan, this tells the story of a family ripped apart by the atomic bomb that hit Nagasaki. A stranger turns up at the mother’s house, claiming to know the dead daughter. I always enjoy a book that spans generations, although it is not an easy read given that its overriding themes are of grief and survival.
Sense of place: 8/10.
Plot: 7.5/10.
Readability: 8/10
Characters: 7.5/10.
Overall: 7.5/10
18. Miss Benson’s beetle – Rachel Joyce.
Mostly set in New Caledonia after the Second World War, this was in an area and time period that I rarely read about, which made it interesting.
The book was inspired by a real life photograph, although the plot itself is a work of fiction (and from my perspective, just a little too unbelievable). I enjoyed the unlikely friendship of the two main characters, and overall found the book an entertaining read.
Sense of place: 8/10.
Plot: 7/10.
Readability: 9/10
Characters: 9/10
Overall: 8/10
19. Pachinko – Min Jin Lee
Another book that spans generations, which follows a Korean family in Japan. I had no idea that Koreans were discriminated against so this book was an eye-opener. It’s a long book and can be pretty heavy going in parts but I enjoyed learning about pachinko and 20th century Korean life (in Japan).
Sense of place: 9/10
Plot: 8/10.
Readability: 9/10
Characters: 8/10.
Overall: 8.5/10
20. Three apples fell from the sky – Narine Abgaryan
This is the only book I’ve ever read set in Armenia. It has a touch of mystical realism (which I always enjoy) and a big reveal towards the end, which I’d never have guessed! Aside from this, the standout takeaway is the descriptions of the food and village life in a remote part of the country.
Sense of place: 9/10.
Plot: 8/10.
Readability: 8/10
Characters: 8/10.
Overall: 8/10
Challenge partly completed.
Pop over to read the full list of my 60 things to do before I’m 60.